Our Summary

This research paper looks at the long-term results of eye surgery for newborns and infants with glaucoma, a condition that damages the eye’s optic nerve. The study involved 52 children (aged from 3 weeks to 15.3 years) who were treated for primary congenital or secondary glaucoma between 2015 and 2017.

Different types of surgeries were compared, including trabeculotomy (a procedure to improve fluid drainage in the eye), filtering and cyclodestructive surgery. They were looking at whether the surgeries were successful in reducing the pressure in the eye (IOP) to a safe level and whether further surgeries were needed.

The results showed that the pressure in the eye was significantly reduced in both types of glaucoma. About 90% of all eyes reached the target pressure with or without medication and with the chance for additional surgeries if needed. The 360° catheter-assisted trabeculotomy was a bit more successful than the other surgeries.

In conclusion, the study found very promising results for these surgical treatments in children with glaucoma, with high success rates for both congenital and secondary glaucoma.

FAQs

  1. What types of surgeries were compared in the research study on glaucoma in newborns and infants?
  2. What were the key findings of the study on long-term results of eye surgery for children with glaucoma?
  3. How successful was the 360° catheter-assisted trabeculotomy compared to other surgeries in treating glaucoma in children?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about glaucoma surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and avoiding activities that may increase eye pressure. It is important to communicate any changes in vision or discomfort to your doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended for glaucoma surgery are those who have been diagnosed with primary congenital or secondary glaucoma, especially in cases where medication or other treatments have not been successful in reducing intraocular pressure to a safe level. In this study, the patients included newborns and infants, as well as older children up to 15.3 years old, indicating that glaucoma surgery can be effective across a wide range of ages.

It is important for patients with glaucoma to work closely with their ophthalmologist to determine the best treatment plan for their specific condition, as surgery may be recommended based on the severity and progression of the disease. The results of this study suggest that surgical interventions such as trabeculotomy, filtering, and cyclodestructive surgery can be successful in reducing intraocular pressure and improving outcomes for patients with glaucoma.

Timeline

  • Before surgery: The patient undergoes various tests and evaluations to determine the severity of their glaucoma and the best course of treatment. They may be prescribed medications to help lower the pressure in their eyes.

  • Day of surgery: The patient is prepared for surgery and undergoes the procedure, which may involve different techniques such as trabeculotomy, filtering surgery, or cyclodestructive surgery.

  • Immediately after surgery: The patient may experience some discomfort and blurry vision. They will be monitored closely for any complications or side effects.

  • Weeks to months after surgery: The patient will have follow-up appointments to assess the success of the surgery and the pressure in their eyes. Additional surgeries may be necessary in some cases to further reduce the pressure.

  • Long-term follow-up: The patient will continue to be monitored for the rest of their life to ensure that the glaucoma is under control and that their vision is preserved. Additional treatments or surgeries may be needed in the future.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about glaucoma surgery include:

  1. What type of glaucoma surgery do you recommend for my specific condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What is the success rate of this surgery in reducing eye pressure?
  4. Will I need to take medications after the surgery, and if so, for how long?
  5. How long is the recovery process, and what can I expect during this time?
  6. Are there any lifestyle changes I should make after the surgery to maintain eye health?
  7. How often will I need follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  8. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that I should consider?
  9. What is the long-term outlook for my condition after undergoing this surgery?
  10. Can you provide me with any additional resources or information about glaucoma surgery?

Reference

Authors: Hoffmann EM, Aghayeva F, Schuster AK, Pfeiffer N, Karsten M, Schweiger S, Pirlich N, Wagner FM, Chronopoulos P, Grehn F. Journal: Acta Ophthalmol. 2022 Mar;100(2):e448-e454. doi: 10.1111/aos.14985. Epub 2021 Aug 6. PMID: 34355860